French Marketplace: A Day to Remember

Saturday was a glorious day...one that I will remember for a long time.

It started with weather that we've not seen for a long time in Phoenix in June...sunny and

pleasant...absolutely wonderful.

Then, the women who came to the all day Heirloom Event and Workshop...they are such an amazing group. I really felt inspired and blessed to have spent the day with them.

I thought I'd share some of the flavor of the day through pictures (many taken by Vern). You may also enjoy seeing some of the food that was created by the oh so very talented daughter of mine, Ashley. In fact, there were some mentions of adoptions...ummm, sorry, but no!

This was the little vignette that greeted everyone at the front door.

And the display on my entry iron and limestone table.

The breakfast tablescape...our fine rooster, Rhett, deigned to come down from his usual lofty perch on one of the pot shelves to grace us with his presence in the iron wagon. Ashley baked the most delicious vanilla bean scones...made with real vanilla beans...better than the Starbucks!!!!! There was a lot of breakfast food...the majority of which she made from scratch.

Here we are before getting started on building our French Marketplace Heirloom book. We built our books indoors and did all of the fun and messy art stuff outside on the back patio.

Lots of painting, misting and stamping...thank God for the gift of a glorious day...all the better to dry the hand dyed linen! We moved our sofas out onto the patio, which provided comfy seating during our breaks...the very best of outdoor living! I did chuckle a little as I had this fleeting thought...it kind of reminded me of a classier Beverly Hillbillies (grin)...

Sharon gets the "seamstress of the year" award...there are some ladies who owe her big time for sewing their covers...Sharon, make sure they pay up!!!! We took over quite a bit of the house to make all of this happen.

Our chef presenting the lunch offerings...needless to say, no one went hungry! Two gourmet meat presentations, twiced baked potatoes, salad, fresh green beans and mushrooms...can I just say THE BEST?

Some more creating pix...

After all of the hard work play, we needed more sustenance (right, Annette?)...which, in this case, meant dessert!

Ashley's Pièce de résistance

Check it out...home made apple pie in a jar...YUMMY...with homemade (real) whipped cream. You know the adoption thing...the answer is still "NO"!!!!!

This little guy saw it all...and he can't stop chirping about it. You know what? Neither can I!!!

I just wanted to end by saying thanks to all who came (and those who missed because of family circumstances...we missed you), to Vern for all that he did to get ready and for his constant support, and to Ashley, who worked tirelessly for several days to help me get ready and to cook. I couldn't have done it without all of you. Thank you!!!!!

Comments

looks like everyone had a great time! great pictures! thanks for sharing! and yes, the weather was WONDERFUL! we walked the desert botanical gardens that evening, flashlight tour, it was lovely, breezy, such a nice day...

carol
you were right - it was perfect and everything looks gorgeous. ashley is amazing and so are you!!! you really outdid yourself on this one. i cannot wait to receive this heirloom treasure.
hugs and more
peggy

It was so awesome!! Thank you for opening your home to all of us to make such a big mess! Ashley for putting so much time and love into breakfast, lunch and dessert, Vern for supporting all of it so generously and you for being *YOU* and creating such amazing pieces for us to enjoy! Great memories!

Dear Carol
Looks like you all had such a fun day!
Only wish I lived closer and could be in on it too.
The provencal ambience you and Ashley created is amazing with even Le Coq presiding sur la table!
The sunflowers, lavender, wildflowers and menu board - all so provence.
Clever you!!